S2-Episode 14- Life Line Screening Results

The episode of the "Teach, Lead and Inspire" podcast features Dr. Jordan Smith and his son, Jordan III, discussing the results of Dr. Smith's recent Life Line Screening examination. Dr. Smith openly shares his health history and the insights gained from the comprehensive health assessment, emphasizing the importance of intentional living and proactive health management for building a lasting legacy.

Main Topic: The value and insights derived from a Life Line Screening, providing a detailed and comprehensive health assessment that goes beyond typical doctor's visits.

Key Takeaways and Discussion Points:

• Motivation for Screening: Dr. Smith pursued the Life Line Screening due to concerns about his health, a family history of conditions like aneurysms, and a desire for more detailed explanations than his primary care physician typically provides. He also sought to understand the impact of recently discontinuing statin medication and lifestyle changes.

• Discovery of Statin Side Effect: After stopping statins, Dr. Smith noticed the numbness he experienced in his thighs and knees (which led to the discovery of his prostate cancer) began to disappear. Research revealed that numbness in extremities is a known side effect of statins, suggesting his prostate cancer discovery, though accidental, was linked to the medication's side effects.

• Life Line Screening Experience:

  • Cost & Value: The screening cost around $160 (or $200 with additional tests like osteoporosis), which Dr. Smith found highly worthwhile for the detailed information received.

  • Immediate Results: A complete lipid panel with cholesterol results was provided within minutes, a faster turnaround than typical doctor's visits.

  • Educational Pamphlet: Participants received a pamphlet explaining each test, which Dr. Smith noted was superior to the lack of explanation often accompanying lab results from standard medical providers.

  • Online Portal: Comprehensive results and educational resources were accessible via an online portal, detailing findings and offering lessons on various health conditions.

• Specific Screening Results and Interpretations: The screening assessed multiple areas, with results categorized as "normal" (blue) or "not in normal range" (red).

  • Abnormal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (Red): This was the first flag noted, particularly significant given Dr. Smith's mother died from an aneurysm.

  • BMI (Red, 25.1 vs. normal 24.9): Slightly above normal, but Dr. Smith dismissed it as negligible and influenced by measurement context (clothing, activity level vs. sedentary individuals).

  • Blood Pressure (Red): Elevated during the screening ("lab coat syndrome"), but consistently normal at home, indicating it wasn't a true concern.

  • Carotid Artery Disease (Plaque in Arteries) (Green/Red - Mild Incidental): The screening confirmed mild plaque in the right artery, aligning with a previously undocumented finding by his dermatologist. The report provided ultrasound images and explained different plaque levels (normal, mild, moderate, significant). Dr. Smith suspects his recent lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, supplements) contributed to the current "mild" status, and plans to follow up with his doctor to compare previous levels.

  • Heart Risk/Cardiovascular Disease Risk (Moderate/Average): These were flagged due to family history (aneurysm), age (71), and personal medical history (past high cholesterol), rather than current critical issues.

  • Osteoporosis: Low probability.

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Normal on both sides.

  • Six for Life Health Assessment: A general risk assessment based on medical history.

    • Risk for Congestive Heart Failure: Zero.

    • Risk for Stroke: High, attributed to being African American, family history of high blood pressure and cholesterol, and age.

    • Resting Pulse: Excellent at 53 beats per minute, reflecting consistent daily cardio.

    • Risk for Diabetes: Zero.

    • Risk for COPD/Lung Cancer: Zero, attributed to quitting smoking over a decade ago and annual CT scans.

• Lifestyle Confirmation: The results largely validated Dr. Smith's active and healthy lifestyle, including regular strength training, 35 minutes of cardio seven days a week, healthy nutrition, significantly reduced alcohol consumption, and no smoking.

• Overall Recommendation: Dr. Smith highly recommends Life Line Screening, especially for individuals over 30 to establish a baseline, and annually for those in their senior years, seeing it as a valuable investment in proactive health management. He praises the ease of access to results, clear explanations, and the educational resources provided.